VW 1.2L TDI Powered Honda Insight

This video was taken on 18JUL09 after the completion of a VW 1.2L TDI engine transplant into a 2000 Honda Insight. Future videos will be posted to document the potential of the Diesel-Electric hybrid concept. Initial test drives have proven the concept's viability. More information about the build can be found at: www.redlightracing.org.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• MVI
• 0742

[024reredrum]

Where did you get that motor?

[jpstaub]

I got the engine from a Lupo 3L that I had imported from Munich, Germany. Yes, it was a lengthy process but it was worth it in the name of science! The nice thing about Federal regulations is that everyone has access including car nuts with oddball ideas.

[100MPG]

Well done! I run one of the only 1.2 TDI Audi A2s in the UK - I have seen 103 MPG (imperial) in rush hour commute over 28 miles. Best with your project!

[jpstaub]

Thanks. Nice job topping 100 MPG. What amazes me about VW's 1.2L is that it will deliver tremendous fuel mileage even without resorting to hypermiling techniques.

[007johnie]

how the hell did you guys do it?

[jpstaub]

A lot of detailed study, creativity, and perseverance. This project would not have been possible without the internet. There's no way I would have found the information and people required for the job without it.

[peterbilt2004]

I've got a 2002 Insight and after 5 replacement battery packs have been contemplating what I would do with the car after this battery pack gives up the ghost. I think I found the solution.....right here. I can live with a diesel no problem. The mileage would probably be equal to or greater than what I'm getting now which is 48 city and 53 hwy with CVT. If the current batteries fail, selling the car would be impossible. But now, it appears as though I have an alternative.

[jpstaub1]

@adamslurch71 Going to a 6 speed would be pretty trick. Unfortunately, trying to swap to a 6 in the Insight would cause an wide array of problems which would require a lot of engineering/customization.

[jpstaub1]

@024reredrum The engine came from a Lupo 3L that was imported from Germany.

[jpstaub1]

@peterbilt2004 Thanks. We spent a lot of time researching components to use as many off-the-shelf automotive parts as we could to avoid custom fabrication thereby reducing cost while still maintaining the durability of the vehicle.

[jpstaub1]

@neptronix Yes. The diesel engine is a lot better fit for this application. I will say the hybrid system fills in nicely while accelerating and climbing hills. Without it operating there's a big difference in the performance of the car.

[jpstaub1]

@SakoTGrimes Slick. Check out Fred's TDI Club for pointers on how to get the job done.

[jpstaub1]

@frostysmores If I had it to do all over again, I'd probably do what the guys working on Project Sipster (internet search for details) did. Converting an Insight requires an exemption from the US EPA which I got for this project but it wasn't easy.

IMA does work with the TDI. I do not have MIMA although that would be a worthwhile system to use.

I haven't done extensive mileage samples at different speeds. I can tell you that I got 93.5mpg averaging 55mph over 1800 miles of highway driving.